Are You Practicing Good Dental Health Habits?
No person seems to be exempt from getting cavities. They start when plaque forms on your teeth and mixes in with the sugars in starches from food, producing acids that attack tooth enamel. By not taking care of your teeth, you are increasing your risk for cavities, tooth loss, and other major issues.
How you can prevent such problems may seem obvious, but since tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease in the nation, the steps to follow are worth repeating:
1.Regular brushing: It is vital to brush your teeth twice a day and do it thoroughly. Brush for at least two minutes, and check with your dentist for the appropriate brushing technique.
2. Daily flossing: We tend to pay more attention to the surfaces of our teeth that we can see, but food that gets caught between our teeth are catalysts for dental problems. Flossing is the best and most efficient way to remove the debris.
3. Healthy eating: Believe it or not, what you eat plays a large role in oral health. Limiting sugary drinks and snacks prevents the formation of plaque. This will also contribute to your overall health.
4. Dental visits: Most of the time you are probably unaware that you have a cavity. Professional checkups and cleanings detect cavities or other issues, as well as prevent more serious issues from occurring.
5. Sealants: These protective coatings are applied to the back teeth to shield them from bacteria and plaque. These are most commonly used for children.
6. Use a rinse: Certain mouth rinses have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. To find out which type is the best for your individual needs, consult with your dentist. When you are in a situation where you are unable to brush after eating, using a rinse can be a sufficient temporary substitute.
7. Chew sugarless gum: Sugarless gum can actually help promote dental health and potentially prevent cavities by increasing saliva flow. Wrigley’s Orbit, Eclipse and Extra chewing gums are the best for preventing cavities.
You should get your kids to start practicing good oral hygiene as early as possible. Schedule your appointment with Art of Modern Dentistry today to make sure your smile is in tip-top shape!
How you can prevent such problems may seem obvious, but since tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease in the nation, the steps to follow are worth repeating:
1.Regular brushing: It is vital to brush your teeth twice a day and do it thoroughly. Brush for at least two minutes, and check with your dentist for the appropriate brushing technique.
2. Daily flossing: We tend to pay more attention to the surfaces of our teeth that we can see, but food that gets caught between our teeth are catalysts for dental problems. Flossing is the best and most efficient way to remove the debris.
3. Healthy eating: Believe it or not, what you eat plays a large role in oral health. Limiting sugary drinks and snacks prevents the formation of plaque. This will also contribute to your overall health.
4. Dental visits: Most of the time you are probably unaware that you have a cavity. Professional checkups and cleanings detect cavities or other issues, as well as prevent more serious issues from occurring.
5. Sealants: These protective coatings are applied to the back teeth to shield them from bacteria and plaque. These are most commonly used for children.
6. Use a rinse: Certain mouth rinses have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. To find out which type is the best for your individual needs, consult with your dentist. When you are in a situation where you are unable to brush after eating, using a rinse can be a sufficient temporary substitute.
7. Chew sugarless gum: Sugarless gum can actually help promote dental health and potentially prevent cavities by increasing saliva flow. Wrigley’s Orbit, Eclipse and Extra chewing gums are the best for preventing cavities.
You should get your kids to start practicing good oral hygiene as early as possible. Schedule your appointment with Art of Modern Dentistry today to make sure your smile is in tip-top shape!
Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune